A new program established by DARPA is looking to build a spaceplane that is able to launch satellites into orbit. The Experimental Spaceplane (XS-1) program will help add a quick, affordable and routine ride to space.

As Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic continues preparations to soon offer passengers a few minutes in suborbital space, those who have already reserved a spot on the next-gen space plane are getting a chance to experience weightlessness ahead of schedule.

The UK government has announced plans to invest in the development of an air-breathing rocket engine – intended for a single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane – following the ESA-managed feasibility testing of essential technology.

For a second year, NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate is seeking proposals for suborbital technology payloads and spacecraft capability enhancements that could help revolutionize future space missions.

A pivoted catch designed to fall into a notch on a ratchet wheel so as to allow movement in only one direction (e.g. on a windlass or in a clock mechanism), or alternatively to move the wheel in one direction.